No To-Go Cup, Please

Along in the afternoon, my thoughts turn to a cup of tea and a little something sweet. It is certainly a very nice respite for a busy day. While visiting Germany, I found this to be the common practice. Whether we were out and about or happened by a friend’s house (Yes, people actually do that there.), coffee or tea was brewed and a cookie was offered without fail. And it was all enjoyed while sitting and visiting.

Coffee Time at a little bakery found on the square of Radeberg, Germany.

In our grab and go culture we miss this simple pleasure of refreshment around some small talk. If we actually took time to sit and enjoy each other’s company, we might find our lives a little less hectic and a little more meaningful. You see, the refreshment does not come from the snack like we think. You’ve seen in the old movies when they ask, “Would you take some refreshment?” Food was certainly was offered but I believe it was far more than that. Refreshment comes not from the eating of treats rather the time spent in sweet fellowship. And time is a key component to making it all work. Friendship is not fast food. It a sit down occasion to be savored.

Life is better shared with friends. It’s just a fact. So take a break from the hectic and find refreshment.

“To be with old friends is very warm and comforting.”

~ Ian Ziering

My daughter gifted me Ree Drummond’s The Pioneer Woman Cooks Food: From My Frontier cookbook a few years back. I have used many of the recipes and all of them have been pretty delicious. It is my go-to reference when I want to take something to a potluck or share with a friend. The following is a cookie recipe I used recently for a Bridal Shower. I think they would also be the perfect thing to serve your friends while you sip tea and invest time in each other.

Cream butter and sugar until combined. Add egg yolks and mix until combined (set whites aside for the icing.) Add the zest and the flour and mix until just combined, then add juice and mix until combined.

Scoop out heaping teaspoons of dough, then roll them into balls between your hands. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 13 minutes. Remove from the oven and keep on the cookie sheet for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from the pan with a spatula and allow to cool completely before icing.

To make the icing, combine 1 egg white with the rest of the icing ingredients. Whisk thoroughly until combined, adding either more powdered sugar or more juice until it reaches a pourable but still thick consistency.

Drizzle the icing across the cookies in several lines, then do it again in the other direction. Sprinkle with extra zest before the icing sets.

*Check out her site for beautiful pictures of the step-by-step instructions.

ENJOY!

Table set for tea at a friend’s home in Germany. Beautiful.

If you enjoyed reading this blog, take a look at another blog I write. Girl on Adventure is a collection of lessons God is showing me as I move through life. I hope you enjoy it.

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Patty Schell will tell you she’s been writing since she could spell and string words together, but it hasn’t been until recent years she has been able to make it a regular practice. Her role as women’s leader in her local church provided a platform to teach, blog, and now, write. Her latest project, Living NOW series is one that was born from a desire to encourage the women she was teaching to know God through His Word, giving them a practical way to study the Bible for themselves.
At present, Patty is a contributor to a variety of web-based publications including Refresh Magazine, Broken but Priceless Magazine, Life Letter Café, and SoCal Voice. In addition, she connects with her readers with regular posts on her two blogs, Girl on Adventure: Embracing the Journey Called Life and The Party’s in the Kitchen: Cooking Up Good Times in the Heart of the Home. Much of Patty’s writing is inspired by the full life she leads alongside her family and friends. She constantly looks for good reasons to gather people together, loves serving her community, and enjoys getting to know new places and cultures. Through these activities and others in life, God reveals His stories of faith, hope and love, and Patty means to tell others about them every chance she gets.
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4 thoughts on “No To-Go Cup, Please”

Patty, I love this post, especially your words: “Refreshment comes not from the eating of treats rather the time spent in sweet fellowship. And time is a key component to making it all work. Friendship is not fast food. It a sit down occasion to be savored.”

So true! Investing time is key in relationships. May we all work harder on this! Thanks for sharing at The Loft.

Refreshment…I just love the sound of that word! Any of Ree’s recipes that I’ve tried, have been very good! My best friend is getting married next week and the Citrus Butter Cookies sound so very tasty to me!

Patty, I am crazy about this post! We certainly do need to be more intentional about refreshment and nourishing friendship. Thank you so much for linking this wonderful post at The Loft last week. Sorry I’m so late visiting.

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Hospitality is key in making the world a better place. Let’s face it. Who doesn’t love a gathering that includes good food shared with family and friends. Memories are created and friendships increased when we come together. So, drop on in and stay awhile. Wait 'til you see what's cookin'. ~Patty Schell

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